Kimura

Kimura – Technical Guide

Technique Guide: Kimura from Closed Guard

Position: Closed Guard
Objective: Submission (Shoulder Lock – Kimura)
Control Points: Opponent’s posture, near-side wrist, upper arm

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Introduction

The Kimura is a shoulder lock submission that targets the rotator cuff and shoulder joint. From closed guard, it serves as both a powerful submission and a setup for sweeps and transitions. This guide breaks the technique down into sequential steps for clarity and technical precision.

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Step 1: Establish Closed Guard and Control Posture

• Begin in a closed guard position with your legs wrapped securely around your opponent’s waist and feet crossed behind their back.
• Use your arms to break down your opponent’s posture by gripping behind their head or controlling their arms.
• Ensure your knees are engaged, keeping tension in your guard to restrict movement.

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Step 2: Isolate the Near-Side Arm

• Select the arm you intend to attack.
• Use your same-side hand (e.g. your left hand if targeting their right arm) to grip their wrist.
• Pin the wrist to the mat or control it just above the mat with your palm facing down (a “monkey grip” can be used for control without the thumb).
• Keep their elbow tight to their body to prevent them from pulling the arm free.

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Step 3: Sit Up and Secure the Figure-Four Grip

• While maintaining wrist control, sit up diagonally towards the side of the trapped arm.
• Reach over the opponent’s upper arm with your opposite hand (e.g., right arm reaches over their right upper arm) and thread your arm underneath their elbow.
• Grab your own wrist (left wrist) with your right hand to form a figure-four grip (a key component of the Kimura lock).
• Your right forearm should be perpendicular to their upper arm to maintain strong leverage.

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Step 4: Open Guard and Angle Off

• Release your closed guard and place your feet on the ground or on your opponent’s hips.
• Pivot your hips slightly towards the arm you’re attacking to create an angle.
• You may place your far-side leg (e.g., left leg) across their lower back to prevent posture and base escape. Don’t just hang it there apply pressure.
• Your nearside leg (e.g., right leg) can be used to control their posture or maintain balance.

Important: Ensure you break your opponent’s posture and prevent them from posturing up or stepping over your body.

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Step 5: Apply the Kimura Lock

• Begin the submission by pinning your opponent’s elbow to your chest.
• Simultaneously rotate their forearm trying to bring their hand/wrist to the back of their head. The rotational force should come from your hips/torso not your arms.
• Apply pressure slowly and steadily, focusing on control over speed.
• The submission should cause rotational stress on the shoulder joint, resulting in a tap if executed correctly.

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Key Points of Control

• Maintain constant wrist control.
• Keep the elbow of your overhooking arm tight to your body.
• Use your hips and body rotation to generate power, not just your arms.
• Secure angles and posture control before attempting the finish.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Flat Back: Failing to sit up or create an angle will reduce leverage and make the submission difficult to finish.
• Weak Grip: A loose figure-four grip allows the opponent to escape or counter.
• Ignoring Posture Control: Allowing your opponent to posture up breaks the position and neutralises the attack.
• Forcing the Finish Without Control: Always prioritise positional control before attempting to submit.

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Drill Suggestions

1. Kimura from Guard (Repetitions): Practice the movement sequence with a partner, focusing on clean transitions between each step.
2. Grip Battle Situations: Start with the opponent defending their arm to simulate real resistance.
3. Kimura to Sweep Transitions: In cases where the opponent defends the submission, transition into a hip bump sweep.

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Summary

The Kimura from closed guard is a fundamental submission that introduces students to shoulder lock mechanics, grip control, and positional strategy. Mastery of this technique requires attention to detail, especially regarding angles, posture control, and leverage.

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